How former Manchester United star Jaap Stam used Ajax model to transform Reading… despite them losing 5-0 at weekend

Commanding Dutchman returned from the Amsterdam-based club and guided Royals to third in the Championship

Feature

By WILL FREEMAN

6th December 2016, 11:30 am

Updated: 6th December 2016, 11:30 am

READING'S start to the season has been a complete surprise to many of their fans. Since former Manchester United and AC Milan star Jaap Stam arrived at the club in the summer the Royals have risen to third in the Championship.

Until their 5-0 defeat at Fulham on the weekend the Royals had gone five games unbeaten.

Jaap Stam has led Reading to third in the Championship since his arrival

The Berkshire side beat Bristol City 2-1 at the Madejski at the end of November. Roy Beerens’ volley into the bottom corner after a fantastic team move was a particular highlight.

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Their four prior matches had also led to victories, with fast flowing football being the main attraction. The defence is led by Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane and has been reflective of their manager’s defensive prowess as a player.

In an interesting further development, the Thai-owned club has also been rumoured to have been subject to interest for a takeover by a Chinese Consortium, reported by GetReading.

Roy Beerens scores a fantastic goal in Reading's 2-1 win over Bristol City

How have they done it?

Having experienced three years in the championship after their last season in the Premier League Royals fans are keen for a return to the top.

Despite many pundits predicting a tough campaign for the Berkshire side, the Royals’ young squad has defied expectations.

In an interview on Channel 5’s Football on 5, Barnet manager Martin Allen praised their passing style of play explaining: “They keep possession right from the back with the goalkeeper, pass it around and wait for openings; they’ve been very brave with how they’ve asked them to play.”

Dutch manager Stam had a fearsome reputation as a player. He was the commanding centre-half at the heart of Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999.

Previously, as a coach he spent three years at Ajax, coaching in the renowned Amsterdam side’s youth setup and learning how to coach their famous possession based 4-3-3 formation.

He has brought this style to Berkshire, where a stuttering start transformed into fantastic form. Boasting the highest possession statistics in the league, his side has been as aesthetically pleasing as it has been successful.

Their third-place position may be under scrutiny until this young squad can overcome the gruelling English winter schedule. If they can then the riches of the Premier League may not be too far away.

Ali Al-Habsi kept clean sheets in four successive games in October and November

Garath McCleary: The Jamaican winger has thrived under Stam’s tutelage, notching up seven goals. The 29-year-old has also been nominated for the PFA Fans' Championship player of the month for November.

His direct-running style is combined with great crossing ability and a keen eye for goal. He is also the squad’s joint longest serving player, having joined alongside long-time friend and team-mate, Wales’ Chris Gunter, in 2012.